The need for a new Lower Thames Crossing is well known. Around 145,000 vehicles descend on the existing Dartford Crossing every day, causing mass congestion, mile long tailbacks and significant delays to journeys.
The disruption will only get worse as local authorities in in Essex, Kent and London deliver their house building programmes over the next ten years, and more residents and businesses need to cross the river.
We know we need a new Lower Thames Crossing - it is vital to relieve the traffic bottleneck at the Dartford Crossing and the pressure it puts on surrounding roads. A new crossing is needed for more than just traffic relief though; it is also vital to enable inward investment in Essex and beyond, to improve connectivity and to create long term resilience on the trunk road network.
The location of the crossing is likely to have a significant impact on traffic levels and transport landscape in surrounding areas, as well the phasing of improvements to junctions along the M25 and A13.
That is why Essex County Council has implored Patrick Mc Loughlin MP and the Department for Transport (DfT) to take a decision on the location of the new Lower Thames Crossing as soon as possible.
But we also need the right decision. The DfT are currently deciding between Option A, a new crossing at the site of the existing one, and Option C, connecting the A13 with the M2 and the M25.
We need the DfT to show their commitment to creating houses and jobs, by deciding on an option that will create around 25,000 more jobs in Essex and Kent by 2031, and around 21,000 more homes by 2031.
We need the DfT to show its ambition to create a future-proof link between the M25, A13 and the M2, forming a new piece of infrastructure in the strategic road network and potentially a new economic corridor. Option C is the option that will deliver these hugely significant benefits.
Option C presents a real opportunity to regenerate south Essex and create jobs in Basildon and other conurbations in south Essex, as well as providing a new direct route for longer distance movements for HGVs and residents, using the north-east section of the M25 and the M2 to A14/A1. If we just want to build another bridge across the Thames which will become snarled up with traffic within months, then we can settle for Option A.
If we are truly ambitious about enhancing connectivity, creating economic growth, building new houses and encouraging businesses to Essex, Kent and East London, then we need the DfT to commit to Option C. We are also willing to examine an Option C variant on the Essex side which would link the additional crossing to the A13, eastwards to the A130 and then via a new Chelmsford North East Bypass to the A120 and M11. This would be more expensive but provide real resilience to the Trunk Network.
Cllr Rodney Bass, cabinet member for highways and transportation at Essex CC
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